1: to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: as a: to process (as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use b: recover 6 c: to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification <green plants recycling the residue of forest fires> <recycle ADP back to ATP>

2: to adapt to a new use : alter

3: to bring back: reuse <recycles a number of good anecdotes — Larry McMurtry>

4: to make ready for reuse <a plan to recycle vacant tenements>

Why should we recycle? This is a common question that I usually answer with, “Why not?”

Recycling is the process of transforming our trash into something usable. It reduces the amount of waste headed to our landfills and reduces our need to harvest new materials such as trees, oil, and metal to make our products.

Recycling has been a common practice for most of human history, with recorded advocates as far back as Plato in 400 BC. During periods when resources were scarce, archaeological studies of ancient waste dumps show less household waste (such as ash, broken tools and pottery) – implying more waste was being recycled in the absence of new material.

Did you know that you can recycle glass, plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, electronics, aggregates and concrete, batteries, food and yard waste, printer ink cartridges, wood, paint, styrofoam, cars, clothing, furniture, tires and more! As residents of Pickens County, we have many options for reducing our waste headed for landfills. If we all do our small part and recycle, as a community, we’ll make a big difference!

• East Side Recycling and Waste Management – 9720 Cove Road - This center accepts all recyclables except for electronics.

Plus, we have many more options for recycling our waste at these facilities located throughout our county:

• Big Canoers will find a more compartmentalized trash and recycling center in the maintenance area by the North Gate. The compartments are clearly marked – two for household garbage and non-recyclable trash, one for mainstream recycling and the addition of a third bin for cardboard only.

• Bent Tree has a recycling center conveniently located near the administrative offices at the front gate. They accept glass, cardboard, plastic, metal cans, newspaper and office paper.

• Recycle your clothing, furniture, building materials and reusable household items at the Pickens Community Thrift Store. Their mission is to serve the members of our community who find themselves in need of essential goods and basic human and life-enhancing services. All revenue from the sale of merchandise that is in excess of expenses will be used in the community to support programs that help community members. Visit the Thrift Store at 110 Samaritan Drive.

• Pickens Animal Rescue operates a Rescued Furniture Store that accepts reusable household items. By giving the community a place to take their tax-deductible donations, the proceeds directly impact the health and future of our unwanted Pickens County pets and the stability of this productive and successful rescue group. The Rescued Furniture Store is located at 371 North Main Street in Jasper.

• Priest Recycling accepts all precious and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, brass and more. They are located at 216 Cornett Lane.

• Kroger accepts your used plastic shopping bags.

• Publix in Canton will take your styrofoam trays and egg cartons.

Additionally, there are many newspaper and cardboard recycling containers in church and business parking lots.

All your questions can be answered by the helpful staff at the county’s recycling facilities, you can call Keep Pickens Beautiful at 706-253-3600, and the Internet has a wealth of resources to assist you in your quest to help our planet by recycling.

If we all do our small part, we can make a huge difference. It is our responsibility to care for our environment and our natural resources to leave a healthier world for the next generation.